Finding Hope ~ First Week of Advent

Yet, O LORD, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.
~ Isaiah 64:8
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One of the things I often encounter when talking to people when facing the end of their life is hope. In fact, the subject of "Hope" is so important that when doing my charting as a hospice chaplain, there is an entire section about "Hope."

"Does the patient feel hopeless?"

I have often thought the questions might focus on whether the patient has hope, rather than not!

Hope is something we all know a little about. We encounter people from all walks of life using the word, "hope."

"I hope I get that job."

"I sure hope they win."

"I hope the traffic won't be awful on my commute." (Maybe that should just be seen as a hopeless situation!)

But seeking hope is something we all seem to be doing at some point in our life. While we look, God reminds us that God has created us, and that we are God's creation. With each touch of God's hands, we have been shaped in hopefulness.

Like the dew on the grass this morning among the leaves that have fallen to the ground, there you will find hope. It is a reminder that while we may have experienced loss, there is still hope that something will come forth.

Imagine the thoughts of Mary who found herself with child. Talk about someone who must have needed hope.

While we begin our Advent journey this week, what are the things that you are hoping for?

Like the dew on the blade of grass, hope flows over us, and is present. What we seek may already be present.

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2017